Beijing to install over 14,000 5G base stations

More than 14,000 5G base stations are planned for installation within Beijing's Fifth Ring Road by the end of this year, said a senior official from the city's economic and technological development bureau on Wednesday, another move to better integrate the technology into applications.

The industrial development of 5G technology in Beijing has taken the leading position in China so far, said Gu Jinxu, chief engineer of the Beijing Municipal Bureau Economy and Information Technology, in an interview with Beijing News during the ongoing World 5G Convention in Beijing. "This year, the capital had realized 5G livestreaming for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in the Wukesong Arena and a remote orthopedic 5G surgery conducted in Jishuitan Hospital."

In the future, 5G technology in Beijing will be applied more in transportation, medical treatment and major sporting events.

The capital is scheduled to open a self-driving test road and construct an Intelligent Network Demonstration Zone, according to Gu. Video livestreaming involving 5G+8K HD will also be used in the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics.

The chief engineer said the newly opened Beijing Daxing International Airport included 5G technology in most of its terminal areas. A new technology combining 5G and facial recognition had also been put into use in the airport.

He also said that the local authorities are currently in the process of formulating plans for 5G applications in the 2022 Winter Olympics, especially for some Alpine skiing events since 4G has a much lower speed.

China started the commercialization of 5G services on Oct 31 and 10 days later, the capital has accumulated more than 40,000 5G subscribers.